SpaceX’s Pad 39A undergoing upgrades for Dragon 2 crew launches

Pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) is preparing for a return to crew launches, with modifications taking place to prepare the Fixed Service Structure (FSS) for the installation of the Crew Access Arm (CAA) and associated crew support equipment. The gantry – that astronauts will use to ingress Dragon 2 spacecraft – is at KSC undergoing final assembly inside a large tent.The historic Pad 39A is no stranger to crew launches, having been part of the Apollo and Shuttle Programs.

With visual evidence of the new platform now being installed, it is likely SpaceX has not altered its own plans from initial renders, which may also include encasing the FSS in panels to protect the inner workings of the crew facilities inside the FSS from Florida’s corrosive salt air. Such panels have been observed at KSC, although it has not been confirmed they are for this specific role on 39A.

What has been confirmed via photography is the current location of the Crew Access Arm, which is currently being assembled inside a tent at 39A.

Mostly obscured from view, the 39A CAA for SpaceX, via NSF member Brovane.

A confirmed installation date for the CAA is still pending, but it is understood that this addition to the pad won’t occur until after the first Dragon 2 test flight, as was stated by officials in April.

That test flight is likely to be taking place No Earlier Than (NET) mid-September and possibly in October.

A NASASpaceflight.com L2 Envisioning process with pad engineers and experts – evaluating a second, larger, Horizontal Integration Facility (HIF) outside the pad perimeter – show an allowance for the BFR to roll to an additional mount along the same trench at 39A.

KSC pad engineers noted several options for additional HIF space, based on previous piling allowances that range back to the Saturn V days, along with logistical access.